My Birthday, My Downfall novel Chapter 58

Philip, my hand is already being held by someone else.

I looked at Philip and calmly reminded him.

"When you're done making a scene, go home. It's not a good look for someone your age to be fighting."

Philip stepped back, leaning against the wall as if lost in thought.

I let go of Ethan's hand.

"You should go too. I had a great time today. See you tomorrow."

Ethan ruffled my hair with a gentle smile.

"Okay, get some rest. If you can't sleep, just reach out to me."

He always seemed to sense my emotions, even predicting that I would surely be unable to sleep tonight.

I murmured "Mm" and closed the door behind me.

As the door clicked shut, the smile on Ethan's face faded as I disappeared from sight. He turned around, glancing at Philip with a tilted head.

The look wasn't exactly disdainful, but it certainly wasn't friendly.

"Philip, we've known each other for a long time. I suggest you stop while you're ahead."

Philip slowly raised his head.

"Stop while I'm ahead? That's advice that should be aimed at you."

"Ethan, Autumn grew up with us. Don't you know her family situation?"

"Or do you really think your family will accept Autumn?"

Ethan's expression tightened, and a chill seemed to emanate from him. He glanced at Philip and pulled the corners of his lips into a smile.

"I'm not like you, chasing fleeting pleasures."

"If I've waited this long to confess, it's because I've already paved the way."

Philip furrowed his brows.

"Don't forget, your father has already arranged a marriage for you!"

Ethan sneered lightly.

"His arrangements still require my approval."

"We've known each other for a long time, but it seems you still don't really know me."

Philip felt an inexplicable sense of panic rising.

Of course, he knew that Ethan had always been the type to do whatever it took to get what he wanted. If Ethan set his sights on something, no matter the obstacles, he would get it.

In the past, when they joked around, Philip had said that Ethan didn't just look cold on the outside—his personality was even colder.

To him, Ethan only cared about interests and gains.

So he had never imagined that Ethan would go after Autumn.

In Philip's heart, Autumn was different.

She was innocent and obedient, always looking at him whenever he turned around.

He had thought about Autumn dating someone else in the future.

He even asked her once.

What did she say back then?

Oh, she said she didn't like any other boys.

Afterward, she had looked at him with those autumn-water-like eyes.

A strange ripple stirred in Philip's heart.

He moved closer, facing Ethan.

The tension in the air was palpable, but when Philip saw the small cut on Ethan's lower lip, everything exploded.

"What the hell did you do to her?!"

I thought again about that lingering kiss in the car.

And Ethan, stopping at the end, his forehead resting against mine, saying.

"Autumn, this was my first kiss. Was my technique bad?"

How would I know?

I had no experience either!

Ethan's way of being in a relationship was a far cry from the image I had of him.

I covered my burning face and told myself,

Since I've already agreed, I should enjoy it.

After all, he'd said I could always stop if I wanted to.

After my bath, I noticed several messages on my phone.

Some were from Ethan, others from Philip.

I hadn't responded to Philip's messages all day.

I opened them, seeing he had sent a bunch.

First, he asked where I was and why I hadn't answered his calls.

The latest few were his apologies.

"Autumn, I was too scared to face my feelings for you before, always feeling I wasn't good enough for you."

"I never expected I'd lose you so soon."

"Are you with Ethan just to make me jealous?"

"Can you give me a chance to compete fairly with Ethan?"

"I'll never ignore you again."